George Mason University's Center for the Arts

Christopher Zimmerman, Conductor
Free ConcerTalk at 7:00 p.m., Concert begins at 8:00 p.m.

The 2009-2010 season will open with a lively program that Christopher Zimmerman describes as slightly "self-indulgent."  "These are some of my favorite pieces to conduct," he admits.  The first half of the program contrasts two giants, Bernstein, an American, and Elgar, who was British.  For the second half of the program, the orchestra will play Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, a tour de force for any orchestra, due to its expanded instrumentation.  Bernstein was a champion of Stravinsky, and in that way, the program balances the composing world.  This program provides one half of a set of bookends with the other half the season-ending concert in May, when Elgar will appear again in the form of his Cello Concerto.

BERNSTEIN: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
ELGAR: Intro. and Allegro for Strings
STRAVINSKY: Rite of Spring

Photo of Christopher Zimmerman by Barry Wheeler

Jean Carrington Cook Memorial Piano Scholarship Recital

Featuring Mason's Piano Faculty and Scholarship Students.

Mason Faculty Artist:
Dr. Linda Apple Monson, piano
Dr. Anna Balakerskaia, piano
Dr. Richard Novak, tenor
Professor Zino Bogachek, violin

Mason Student Pianist:
Oh Sung Choi
Yoonji Kim
Jihae Lim
Emma McDermott
Ina Mirtcheva
Jennifer Robinson
Min Son
Kimberly Yi

There will be a reception immediately following the recital on Grand Tier III in the Concert Hall.

$15 Adults, $10 Seniors
Students of all ages: Free!

All ticket proceeds benefit the George Mason University School of Music Jean Carrington Cook Piano Scholarship Fund.

Chopin for Lovers!

Renowned pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns in his popular “concerts with commentary” series in a season that honors the 200th anniversary of the birth of Chopin. Mr. Siegel explores—in both performance and words—the works of one of the greatest and most celebrated composers of all time. In this first of his four concerts, Mr. Siegel delves into the romantic side of Chopin, performing works inspired by the women in this prolific composer’s life. The program includes the vivacious E Flat Waltz, the touching Farewell Waltz, the dreamy Larghetto, Op. 21, some demonic Preludes from Op. 28, and the famous Fantasy Impromptu. Bring someone special to enjoy some of the most romantic, popular music ever composed.

Single Tickets are on sale now!